BWY Celebrates Local Heroes at the 2026 Heart of Yoga Awards

The British Wheel of Yoga (BWY) celebrated the remarkable dedication of its volunteer community at the 2026 Heart of Yoga Awards, announced following the organisation’s Annual General Meeting on Thursday, 7 May.

Now in their fourth year, The Heart of Yoga Awards shine a light on people who give their time and talents freely to organise events, support members and create new ways for people to access yoga and yoga education. In a climate where volunteering is in decline and people face real financial and time pressures, their quiet dedication keeps local yoga communities alive and growing.

“Our volunteers are the true heart of BWY,” said Di O’Reilly, BWY Chair. “They embody karma yoga in the fullest sense through giving up their time generously and asking for nothing in return.  In increasingly busy and uncertain times, it is their selfless service, steady leadership and willingness to go the extra mile that keep our community thriving and allow us to share yoga more widely. These awards are one small way of saying thank you.”

This year’s Heart of Yoga Awards recognised six outstanding volunteers:

The Anthony Grover Award Winner: Jacqueline Stevenson.

Jacqueline has served the BWY community in the North since 2012, when she became County Rep for Durham, later adding the roles of Regional Editor and Regional Officer and continuing to organise events, produce an inspiring regional magazine, run the Durham Yoga Group and support workshops across the region.

Rising Star Award Winner: Kate Holly.

Kate brings energy, commitment and kindness to her role as South East Wales Area Rep, travelling widely to reach people who might not otherwise access yoga and playing an active role in the South Wales teaching community through peer support, training and workshops.

Community Champion Award Winner: Jill Dobbie.

Since qualifying at Mandala Yoga Ashram ten years ago, Jill has been devoted to making yoga accessible to people in Dumfries and the surrounding area. She volunteers at Lothlorien Therapeutic Community, specialising in teaching yoga for older adults and people living with long-term health conditions. Her fundraising efforts have raised nine thousand pounds for charities in Nepal and for refugees. She also creates classes and events for diverse groups including Syrian and Ukrainian women, LGBT Youth and Scottish Action Mental Health.

The Irene Yates Education Champion Award Winner: Hazel Faithfull.

Over the last 24 months, Hazel has helped build the South committee into a strong, well-connected team and has brought teachers together for informal local meet-ups, strengthening professional links and promoting BWY as an educational resource for members across the region.

Ambassador of the Year Award Winner: Rachel Claridge.

Rachel has given more than 15 years of voluntary service as an Area Representative for the South East Committee, supporting members in her region and contributing actively to the committee, where her encouragement, practical help and much‑loved home‑baked cakes help to make the atmosphere warm and friendly.

Event Volunteer of the Year Winner: Jo Webb.

Over the past year, Jo has supported members not only in Somerset but also in areas without a local representative, and in 2025 curated a rich programme that included the best‑attended BWY Sangha of the year in November, as well as standout events with teachers Emma Slade and Zoe Knott, widening access to yoga across the South West.